U.S. patent number 5,242,114 [Application Number 07/870,888] was granted by the patent office on 1993-09-07 for glass washing apparatus for a motor vehicle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Valeo Vision. Invention is credited to Bernard Bigot, Jean-Pierre Camier.
United States Patent |
5,242,114 |
Camier , et al. |
September 7, 1993 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Glass washing apparatus for a motor vehicle
Abstract
A motor vehicle headlamp glass washing apparatus comprises a jet
nozzle mounted on a retractable jet carrier and supplied
selectively from a source of washing liquid under pressure. The jet
carrier comprises a variable volume chamber, which is defined by a
fixed element and a movable element which slides on the fixed
element and which carries the jet nozzle. A spring acts between the
fixed and movable elements to bias the movable element into a
retracted position. Supply of liquid under pressure to the variable
volume chamber initially moves the movable element against the
action of the spring into a deployed position, and then supplies
the liquid to the jet nozzle. The fixed element is a tube open at a
free end and connected to the liquid source at its other end, the
movable element comprising a closed body having an internal space
communicating with the jet nozzle. This space is delimited by a
first part sliding sealingly on the outside of the tube, and a
second part penetrating into the tube so as to close the latter and
movable outwardly in the tube under the action of the pressurized
liquid so as to bring the interior of the tube into communication
with the internal space in the movable element.
Inventors: |
Camier; Jean-Pierre (Bobigny,
FR), Bigot; Bernard (Ermont, FR) |
Assignee: |
Valeo Vision (Bobigny Cedex,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
9412250 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/870,888 |
Filed: |
April 20, 1992 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Apr 25, 1991 [FR] |
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91 05115 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/284.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S
1/528 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60S
1/46 (20060101); B60S 1/52 (20060101); B05B
001/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;239/281,284.2,203-206 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2523909 |
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Mar 1982 |
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EP |
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0262402 |
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Aug 1987 |
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EP |
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2455294 |
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May 1976 |
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DE |
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1480348 |
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Jul 1977 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Kashnikow; Andres
Assistant Examiner: Weldon; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morgan & Finnegan
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A motor vehicle headlamp glass washing apparatus comprising: a
source of pressurized washing liquid; a jet carrier; means
connecting the liquid source to the jet carrier for supply of said
liquid under pressure to the latter; and a jet nozzle carried by
the jet carrier, the jet carrier comprising a movable element and a
fixed element carrying the movable element for sliding movement of
the movable element on the fixed element, the two elements together
defining a variable volume internal chamber between them, the jet
nozzle being carried by the movable element, and the jet carrier
further including resilient return means mounted between the two
elements whereby to bias the movable elements into a retracted
position on the fixed element, wherein the fixed element comprises
a tube having an open front end and a rear end connected to the
means for supplying said liquid from said source under pressure,
the movable element comprising a first part arranged on the outside
of said tube in sealing relationship with the latter by sandwiching
said tube wall between said first and second parts, the region
between the free end of said first part and the adjacent portion of
said tube defining a sealing zone which faces said rear end, and a
second part cooperating with the tube for telescopically
penetrating into said tube whereby to close off the latter, said
second part having a free end, the outer surface of said second
part having a longitudinal slot extending to its said free end
wherein the longitudinal dimension of said slot is less than the
longitudinal dimension of said second part, said first and second
parts together defining an annular internal space of said movable
element communicating with the jet nozzle, whereby introduction of
said liquid under pressure from the source into said tube urges
said second part to telescopically move out of said tube, thereby
moving the movable element into a deployed position and bringing
the interior of said tube into communication with said internal
space via said slot and thence bringing the interior of said tube
into communication with the jet nozzle.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said tube has an
external collar portion, the said first part of the movable element
has a terminal portion, and the said return means comprises a
compression spring mounted between the collar portion and the said
terminal portion.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the terminal portion of
the movable element has an internal surface defining a shoulder,
the collar portion being arranged to abut against said compressed
spring which abuts the said shoulder in the deployed position
whereby to constitute a stop mean for limiting the travel of the
movable element on the fixed element.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, further including a first seal
arranged close to the free end of the said tube between the latter
and the said first part of the movable element.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first seal is a
double-lipped ring.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the jet carrier further
includes a second seal surrounding said second part close to its
free end so that said slot is disposed between said second seal and
free end of said second part, said second seal cooperating with an
internal surface of said tube.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said first part of
the movable element is defined by a sleeve member, the movable
element further including a cover member closing the said sleeve
member so as to define the said internal space, and a bar
projecting from the said cover member whereby to define the said
second part of the movable element.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the said cover member is
formed with a duct communicating with the jet nozzle.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jet carrier further
includes a cap, the movable element having a terminal portion and
the jet carrier further including a third seal compressed between
the said cap and terminal portion, with the said seal being in
contact with the outer surface of the said tube.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said slot establishes,
communication between the interior of the tube and said internal
space while said second part is still partially engaged within the
tube.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the free end of said
second part is formed with ribs defining a cruciform cross section
so as to define four said slots between them.
12. A jet carrier for a motor vehicle headlamp glass washing
apparatus including a source of pressurized washing liquid, means
connecting the liquid source to the jet carrier for supply of the
liquid under pressure to the jet carrier, a jet nozzle carried by
the jet carrier, the jet carrier comprising:
a fixed tubular conduit having a rear end connected to the means
for supplying the pressurized washing liquid, and an open front
end;
a movable element having a central longitudinal portion with a free
end which is slidingly receivable through said open front end into
the interior of said fixed conduit, said movable element further
having an outer cylindrical wall concentric with said central
portion so that, when said central portion is received in said
fixed conduit, said central portion, fixed conduit and outer wall
form a telescopic assembly wherein the wall of said fixed conduit
is sandwiched between said central portion and outer wall, said
front end of said fixed conduit and the cylindrical space between
said outer wall and central portion defining a variable volume
chamber, the jet nozzle being carried by said variable volume
chamber, the region between the free end of said outer wall and the
adjoining portion of said fixed conduit defining a sealing zone,
said sealing zone facing said rear end of said fixed conduit;
resilient return means mounted between said fixed conduit and
movable element to bias said free end of said central portion
toward said rear end of said fixed conduit whereby said central
portion is urged into the interior of said fixed conduit; and
a longitudinal slot formed on the outer surface of said central
portion, said slot extending to said free end of said central
portion and having a longitudinal dimension which is less than the
longitudinal dimension of said central portion so that introduction
of the pressurized liquid into said fixed conduit urges said
central portion to telescopically slide out of said fixed conduit
thereby moving said movable element into a deployed position
wherein said slot communicates with said variable volume chamber
thereby bringing the interior of said fixed conduit into
communication with the jet nozzle.
13. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12 wherein said fixed
conduit has an external collar portion, said outer wall has a
terminal portion, and said return means comprises a compression
spring mounted between said collar portion and said terminal
portion.
14. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 13, wherein said terminal
portion has an internal surface defining a shoulder, said
compressed spring being arranged to abut against said collar
portion and shoulder in the deployed position to constitute a stop
means for limiting travel of said movable element on said fixed
conduit.
15. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12, and further comprising
a first seal disposed between said fixed conduit and outer wall,
said first seal being close to said front end of said fixed
conduit, said first seal comprising a double-lipped ring.
16. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12, and further comprising
a second seal surrounding said central portion close to its free
end so that said slot is disposed between said second seal and free
end, said second seal cooperating with the internal surface of said
fixed conduit.
17. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12 wherein said outer wall
is defined by a sleeve member, said movable element further
comprising a cover member closing said sleeve member to define said
variable volume chamber, and said central portion is defined by a
bar projecting from said cover member.
18. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12 wherein said cover
member is formed with a duct communicating with the jet nozzle.
19. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 12 wherein said slot
establishes communication between the interior of said fixed
conduit and said variable volume chamber while said central portion
is engaged with said fixed conduit.
20. A jet carrier as set forth in claim 19 wherein said free end of
said central portion is formed with ribs defining a cruciform cross
section to define four of said slots between them.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for washing
motor vehicle headlamp glasses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Such a washing apparatus conventionally comprises a jet nozzle
which is supplied with washing liquid under pressure and which is
fixed in a position spaced in front of, and below, the headlamp
glass. Thus such a jet nozzle is commonly incorporated in the front
fender or cross beam of the vehicle.
It is also well known that, in order to obtain maximum washing
efficiency, the jet nozzle must be arranged as far as possible in
front of the headlamp glass, in such a way that the droplets of
liquid will impinge on the glass at an angle of incidence which is
as large as possible.
In addition, the glasses of modern headlamps, which may follow the
"diving" front profile of the vehicle, make it necessary to locate
the jet nozzles further and further in front of the headlamp glass.
Since such jet nozzles are conventionally incorporated in upward
projections carried by the fenders, this gives rise to drawbacks in
connection with safety, aerodynamics and aesthetics.
It has previously been proposed, in order to overcome these
drawbacks, to provide a retractable jet carrier carrying the jet
nozzle and being of a type that comprises a jack, the internal
movable piston of which carries the nozzle at its free end. The
chamber of the jack is supplied directly with the washing liquid,
and the pressure of the latter first causes the jack to operate so
as to move the jet nozzle into a position in which it projects
forward, by displacement of the piston, after which it causes the
nozzle to be supplied with the liquid so as to spray the glass
itself. Such arrangements are described in the specifications of
the French published patent application No. FR 2 523 909A and
European published patent application No. Ep 0 262 402A.
However, these known types of jet carriers have a certain number of
drawbacks themselves. By virtue of their particular construction,
the sealing zone between the two movable members constituting the
cylinder and piston of the jack is exposed to the front of the
vehicle, so that there is a major risk of deterioration which leads
to leakage of washing liquid, or even to jamming of the piston. The
apparatus described in the above mentioned European patent document
includes, besides a seal between the cylinder and piston of the
jack, a protective bellows which completely surrounds the jack
piston in that part of the latter which is outside the cylinder.
The selling cost is thus increased, and such a bellows is
considered unattractive aesthetically.
Besides the foregoing, these two known apparatuses necessitate
complicated means for ensuring the initial extension of the jack
without the jet nozzle being supplied with liquid under pressure
until the jack is extended to the required position.
DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to overcome the above
mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a glass washing
apparatus having a jet carrier in which the sealing means are more
effective and better protected from the outside environment than in
the prior art. A further object of the invention is to ensure that
the jet nozzle will be supplied with washing liquid after it has
been put in its working position by the pressure of the said
liquid, all in an extremely simple and economical manner.
To this end, according to the invention there is provided a glass
washing apparatus for a motor vehicle headlamp glass, of the kind
comprising a jet nozzle mounted on a retractable jet carrier and
supplied selectively and under pressure with a washing liquid from
a source of such liquid, the jet carrier comprising a variable
volume chamber defined by a fixed element and a movable element
arranged to slide with respect to the fixed element and carrying
the jet nozzle, with a resilient return means acting between the
fixed element and the movable element, with the supply to the said
variable volume chamber of washing liquid under pressure initially
causing movement of the movable element against the return means,
into a deployed position, and then causing the washing liquid to be
applied to the jet nozzle, characterised in that the fixed element
comprises a tube which is open at a free end and connected at its
opposite end to the source of washing liquid under pressure, and in
that the movable element comprises a body which is essentially
closed, having an internal space which is in communication with the
jet nozzle and which is delimited by a first part disposed on the
outside of the said tube in sealing relationship with its outer
surface, and by a second part which is adapted to penetrate into
the tube so as to close off the latter, and to tend to move out of
the tube under the action of the washing liquid under pressure
whereby to establish communication between the interior of the tube
and the said internal space.
Further aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention
will appear more clearly from a reading of the detailed description
of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows, given by
way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic general assembly view of a glass washing
apparatus with a retractable jet carrier in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed view in vertical axial cross section of the
jet carrier in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with the jet carrier
shown in a first position.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the jet carrier in
a second position.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows an apparatus for
washing a headlamp glass including, in a known manner, a reservoir
12 for washing liquid, a pump 14 connected upstream to the
reservoir and downstream to a retractable jet carrier 16, together
with an electrical interruptor 18, for example a relay, which is
controlled from the cabin of the vehicle for starting and stopping
the apparatus by selective electrical control of the pump at the
will of the driver.
The retractable jet carrier carries at that one of its ends which
faces forward a jet nozzle 20, which may be of any appropriate type
and which is mounted in the present example between the lower edge
of the glass G of the headlamp P of the vehicle, and the fender PC.
It may of course be arranged in any other appropriate place, and in
particular it may be incorporated in the fender.
When the pump 14 is not supplied with electric current, no washing
liquid pressure is applied to the jet carrier 16, and the latter is
then in the retracted position shown in full lines in FIG. 1, in
which the jet nozzle is substantially flush with the lower edge of
the glass G. When the pump is energised, and the washing liquid
under pressure is applied to the jet carrier, the latter is
deployed (as will be described in more detail later in this
description), in order to put the jet nozzle 20 into a position in
which it is situated in front of the glass G, this position being
indicated in broken lines in FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one particular preferred embodiment
of the jet carrier 16 itself will now be described. A fixed conduit
or element comprising a hollow tube or bar 160, having an
essentially horizontal axis, is secured to one end (the right hand
end in the drawings) to an appropriate fixed part PF of the
vehicle, which includes a duct C for feeding the washing liquid
into the tube 160.
At its opposite end (the left hand end in the drawings), the tube
160 has a peripheral collar portion 160a projecting radially
outwards, beyond which the tube 160 has a portion 160b of reduced
diameter terminating in a bead 160c, which defines a slight
terminal increase in the external diameter. Between the collar
portion 160a and the bead 160c, a sealing ring 161, having a cross
section which is generally in the form of a U, is trapped. The ring
161 comprises two lips extending away from the collar portion.
The internal diameter of the tube 160 is preferably constant over
its whole length.
A member 162, generally in the form of a sleeve, extends coaxially
with the tube 160 and comprises an outer wall or first portion or
part 162a, the internal diameter of which is slightly greater
sleeve member 162 is closed over the bar 160 at the free end of the
sleeve member by a terminal portion comprising a radial portion
162c having a circular opening, the diameter of which is
substantially equal to the diameter of the tube 160. A helical
compression spring 163, which is preferably precompressed, is
mounted between the second portion 162b of the sleeve member and
the tube 160, bearing at a first end on the face of the collar
portion 160a opposed to the seal 161, and at its second end on the
radial or terminal portion 162c of the sleeve member.
Sealing between the tube 160 and the sleeve member 162 is provided
by means of a third seal comprising a sealing ring 164 which is
applied against the outer face of the radial portion 162c of the
sleeve member, and which is held in compression by a cap 165 having
a radial portion 165a, through which the tube 160 passes, and an
axial cylindrical portion 165b. The axial cylindrical portion 165b
is formed with apertures 165c, in which locking teeth 162d are
engaged. The teeth 162d project from the external surface of the
second part 162b of the sleeve member, and may for example be
integral with the latter. Preferably, assembly of the cap 165 on
the sleeve member 162 is carried out by force-fitting, with elastic
expansion of the portion 165b of the cap until the teeth 162d
penetrate into the apertures 165c. In order to facilitate this
movement, the teeth 162d are formed with ramps on their side facing
towards the right in the drawings.
An end cover member 166 is fixed over the free end of the first
portion 162a of the sleeve member. The cover member 166 has a
radial masking portion 166a and an axial cylindrical portion 166b
in which apertures 166c are formed. A set of teeth 162e, integral
with, and projecting from, the outer face of the first portion 162a
of the sleeve member, engage in these apertures 166c. As with the
cap 165, the cover member 166 is force-fitted with resilient
expansion of its portion 166b, until the teeth 162e penetrate into
the apertures 166c. A further sealing ring 167 is provided between
the terminal face of the sleeve member and the cover member 166,
being held in position by means of a circular rib which is formed
on the inner face of the masking portion 166a of the cover
member.
A central portion or second part comprising a solid bar 166d,
having a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of
the tube 160, extends axially inwardly (i.e. towards the right in
the drawings) from the central zone of the masking portion 166a.
The bar 166d has a set of slots 166e at its free end. In this
example there are four of these slots 166e, separated by axial ribs
166f defining a cruciform shape in cross section and extending the
bar 166d. The ribs 166f fit accurately in the circular cross
section of the tube 160. The ribs 166f are preferably formed with
free terminal edges which are inclined as shown, in such a way as
to facilitate entry of the bar 166d into the tube 160 during
fitting of the cover member 166 as mentioned above.
The bar 166d also includes, close to its end having the slots 166e,
a peripheral groove 166g in which a sealing ring 168 (for example
an O-ring) is received. It will be noted that the axial length of
the second portion 162b of the sleeve member, and the length of the
bar 166d, are so chosen that, when the collar portion 160a of the
tube 160 comes into abutment against the internal shoulder of the
sleeve member that separates its first and second portions 162a and
162b, the terminal ribs 166f of the bar 166 extend only partly into
the interior of the tube 160, leaving the slots 166e delimited by
these ribs to provide communication between the interior of the
tube 160 and the cavity which is defined between the first portion
162a of the sleeve member and the bar 166d itself.
Finally, a duct 166h extends outwardly (i.e. towards the left in
the drawings) from the radial masking portion 166 a of the cover
member 166, and is arranged to be connected to the jet nozzle 20,
the body of which is secured on to the cover member 166, preferably
by being appropriately gripped on the outside of the wall 166i of
the duct.
The jet carrier described above operates in the following way. When
the pump of the washing apparatus is stopped, no fluid pressure is
applied to the jet carrier through the inlet duct C. The spring 163
tends to adopt its expanded position, and, bearing on the fixed
collar portion 160a, it biases the sleeve member 162 towards the
right in the drawings, acting on the radial terminal portion 162c
of the latter, until the portion 166a of the cover member comes
into abutment against the free end of the tube 160. This is the
retracted position shown in FIG. 2, corresponding to the position
shown in full lines in FIG. 1. It will be observed that the bar
166d penetrates over a substantial distance into the tube 160, and
therefore closes it off.
It will also be noticed that the internal space within the liquid
feed tube 160 is separated from the outside by a path in which the
seals 167, 161 and 164 are all interposed. This guarantees
virtually perfect sealing and prevents, in particular, any
siphoning action which would tend to drain the reservoir 12.
When the washing liquid is now put under pressure and applied to
the jet carrier, the variable volume chamber such as is defined by
the tube 160 and the free end of the bar 166d is subjected to this
pressure. The bar 166d, and with it the cover member 166 and sleeve
member 162, thus tends to be urged axially away against the force
exerted by the spring 163, so as to be displaced towards the left
as shown in the Figures. This movement is of course accompanied by
compression of the spring 163.
The bar 166d thus moves progressively out of the tube 160, until
the slots 166e, reaching the end of the tube 160, begin to
establish communication between the interior of the latter and the
annular space lying between the sleeve member 162 and the bar 166d.
The pressures on each side of this communication passage become
stabilised in equilibrium, so that the sleeve member 162 and cover
member 166 then remain in the position shown in FIG. 3, which
corresponds to the deployed position indicated in broken lines in
FIG. 1. The liquid under pressure, having penetrated into the
annular space mentioned above, is now applied to the jet nozzle 20
through the duct 166h, so that the glass G of the headlamp is then
subjected to the jet of washing liquid from the nozzle in its
advanced position.
It will be understood that the above mentioned fluid communication
through the slots 166e is established without the bar 166d fully
leaving the interior of the tube 160, so that there is no risk of
jamming by misalignment when the pressure of washing liquid is
removed. The jet carrier is then able to return to the retracted
position shown in FIG. 2.
In the deployed position of the jet carrier, the actions of the
sealing rings 161 and 164 combine to prevent any leakage of liquid
whatever It will also be noticed that in the deployed position and
also in the retracted position, there is no critical or fragile
zone in the jet carrier, and in particular there is no transition
between fixed and movable members at which sealing is imperative,
and which would be directly exposed towards the front of the
vehicle. This ensures extremely reliable and durable sealing
generally.
The present invention is of course in no way limited to the
particular embodiment described above and shown in the drawings.
The person skilled in the art will be able to apply to it any
variation or modification in accordance with the spirit of the
invention. In particular, the configuration of the free end of the
bar 166d may take any suitable form whatever. In addition, although
the various elements of the jet carrier as defined above have been
indicated as bodies of revolution about the general axis A, any
appropriate cross section may be chosen for these elements. In
particular, they may have flat pins or the like in order to prevent
any accidental rotation of the movable part of the jet carrier with
respect to its fixed part.
* * * * *